Commander’s physical challenge builds teams, lifts morale

Photo By Chad Ashe | Army Spc. April Lewis, a 35F Intelligence Analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade compete in the commander’s cup physical training July 31 on Hunter Army Airfield.  

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, GA, UNITED STATES

07.31.2014

Story by Capt. Chad Ashe 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade competed in a commander’s physical challenge July 31 on Hunter Army Airfield. The event also marked the last event HHC will have with outgoing commander Capt. Jay Berger.

The physical course challenged the teams of eight HHC Soldiers and paired various degrees of physical abilities together—not to mention ranks—for a fun challenge that built upon the existing teamwork in the unit. The course consisted of various stations challenging participants on burpees, various partner carrys, military knowledge, and culminated with a Humvee push.

Berger said the event intended to build esprit de corps focused around teamwork and character building. He adds the Humvee push was a surprise event hidden away from the rest of the course and strategically placed it at the end where teams are most tired.

“The competitiveness of the event coupled with its challenging physical nature also helps develop unit cohesion as team members experience shared adversities and overcome obstacles together,” said Berger, who has commanded Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment and HHC for a combined 26 months.

Army Spc. April Lewis, a 35F Intelligence Analyst with HHC—and who currently has the highest Army Physical Fitness Test score in the company—validates Berger’s comments and said the events provided a good workout and built a cohesive team during the course. She attributes her fitness level to her hobby kickboxing that she soon may compete locally.

“I thought it was great. It was a good workout, great teamwork,” said Lewis. She said her favorite event was the Humvee push because it was not typical for Army PT.

“Burpees, sit-ups, I’ve done that. I’ve never done the Humvee push,” said Lewis.

Also on hand to compete was Capt. Dan Nordin, who assumed command of HHC in a ceremony Aug. 1. Nordin has been working as a brigade operations officer and looks forward to his first command.

The foundation of teamwork was laid for Nordin to begin his tenure as commander and that was fine by him going forward. Nordin says this event will continue monthly, if scheduling allows, because it is a highlight among HHC Soldiers.

“It builds the team by helping others through tough obstacles where one may be strong at a certain event but weak in another we must rely on each other to accomplish the mission,” said Nordin.

• Date Taken: 07.31.2014
• Date Posted: 08.05.2014 13:38
• Story ID: 138347
• Location: HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, GA, US